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Portage Lake Water Study |
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The Onekama earth science class participated in the 13th annual Portage Lake water study October 11th. This activity, which takes place each fall and spring, is completed by taking water samples from three dedicated sites in Portage Lake. This study is done in cooperation with the Onekama Consolidated Schools and Onekama Township.
The study is done by having the students take water samples using various scientific tools and techniques. These tests and samples are PH (Perhydroium), DO(dissolved Oxygen), Clarity, Chlorophyll- a, temperature profile, and total Phosphorus. The total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll –a test are conducted at the Great Lakes Environmental lab in Traverse City and the remainder are done by the Onekama students in their school science lab.
Jim Hunter, Onekama’s Earth
Science teacher, has spearheaded this project and it is now being
incorporated into the newly emerging Portage Lake watershed plan. The
students have a great appreciation of the lake and many spend numerous
hours recreating on it.
Zac holds the devise that is used to gather the samples. |
Senior Marlee Herkelrath says, "I am glad to help be a steward of the lake and be part of the process to maintain its well being. I have spent many hours swimming , boating , and enjoying the pristine waters of Portage Lake and would like to see it stay that way”. The other students who carried out these test were Ryan Miller, Zac Gilbert, Julie Schoedel, Luke Fogarty and Chad Tolin. The students conducted the tests aboard the Sandpiper III captained by Onekama Superintendent Kevin Hughes.
Julie and Marlee are displaying
some |
